The Gibson Les Paul guitars of the late '50s and early '60s have become among the most prized electric guitars on the planet. But to say "the" Les Paul is actually somewhat misleading because Les Paul... Click To Read More About This Product

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The Gibson Les Paul guitars of the late '50s and early '60s have become among the most prized electric guitars on the planet. But to say "the" Les Paul is actually somewhat misleading because Les Paul guitars varied not only from year to year as the model's specs evolved, but even within the same year of manufacture.

To accurately represent the variations in specifications and finish within original examples manufactured in 1960, Gibson is offering three versions of this hallowed vintage electric guitar.

Version 1

At the start of 1960, the Gibson Les Paul retained the same specs as its predecessor from 1959, although it did receive the official "Les Paul Standard" designation in place of the former "Les Paul Model" (a name that its headstock nonetheless still retained). Among these details were the full, rounded neck profile, top-hat control knobs, and Heritage Cherry Sunburst or Heritage Dark Sunburst finish, and these are the very characteristics with which the Gibson Custom Shop has imbued. The first Version of the 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard electric guitar might be confused for a 1959 Les Paul guitar if not for the 1960 serial number stamped into the back of the guitar's headstock at the dawn of this new decade, and the R0 serial number of this 50th Anniversary Les Paul guitar. This version is available in heritage Cherry Sunburst and Heritage Dark Burst finishes.

Version 2Version 2 represents the neck's transition from full to slim”a progression that was gradual, rather than sudden”in the form of a Gibson Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard with thinner, yet still somewhat rounded and "elliptical" neck profile, based on painstaking research and detailed scans of several transitional '60s Les Paul guitars that were studied by the Custom Historic and Engineering team. To represent this alteration visibly, Version 2 will be offered in two classic "faded" 'Burst colors: Light Iced Tea and Sunset Tea Burst.

Version 3The third version of the Gibson Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard is represented by an electric guitar with the slim-tapered neck for which late-'60 Les Pauls have become famous, along with the double-band tuners and gold top-hat control knobs with the "new" silver inserts that were fitted to these guitars. Version three features a '60s Cherry Burst finish.

Furthermore, Version 3 of the Gibson 1960 Les Paul accurately represents the changes in the finishing process at Gibson in the latter part of 1960, in its more vibrant, colorfast Cherry Sunburst, a finish that stood the test of time somewhat better than many of the sunbursts that preceded it.

In addition to these pertinent details, the Gibson Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard guitar pack all the tonal nuances and unparalleled playability that really helped to make these guitars fabled in the hands of artist like Eric Clapton, who wielded a slim-necked 1960 Les Paul Standard on the most influential blues-rock album of all time, John Mayall BluesBreakers with Eric Clapton, often referred to as the "Beano" album. The time-tested tonewood combination of mahogany and maple, the classic duo of Tune-O-Matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, and a pair of Gibson's lauded PAF-style BurstBucker humbucking pickups all work toward a tonal splendor that no other guitar can equal.

Add to these the Gibson Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standards' long-tenon neck joint, traditionally back-angled headstock, and thin, breathable nitrocellulose finish, and you've got a guitar that sings and resonates like no other. A total of only 500 Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standards will be produced in a blend of all three versions. All 1960 Les Paul guitars will include a Custom Shop hardshell case and a 50th Anniversary Certificate of Authenticity.

Body and FinishCrafted from a book-matched figured maple top and a lightweight one-piece mahogany back, these guitars are finished in low-build nitrocellulose lacquer, and are available in a range of colors to suit each Version, including Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Heritage Dark Sunburst, Light Iced Tea Burst, Sunset Tea Burst and Cherry Sunburst.

In every way, these details represent careful study of several actual Gibson 1960 Les Paul Standards that were examined in the course of reproducing the Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard guitar.

Neck and HeadstockThe Les Paul guitar's neck and headstock are made in the classic tradition of the original 1960 Les Paul. Carved from a single piece of quarter-sawn mahogany, and topped with a rosewood fingerboard, the design incorporates Gibson's lauded 17-degree back-angled headstock, which contributes greatly to the instrument's resonance and sustain.

HardwareAs befits a Gibson Custom Shop Anniversary Les Paul of this caliber, the Custom Shop 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard is equipped with Gibson's most accurate, period-correct reproduction hardware, including Kluson-style tuners, a Tune-O-Matic bridge and stop-bar tailpiece both made from the correct metals and plated in nickel, and Gibson's original aluminum strap buttons, all of which contribute to the vintage look and tone of the Gibson Les Paul.

Yesterday, 06/05/2010 I went into the Guitar Center on 28th St in Grand Rapids, MI. I had no plans on buying a guitar, but John, the salesman asked what I was looking for and I told him I wanted something similar to my old Les Paul SG1. While I was checking out some Jacksons, John came back with this beauty of a guitar, a Gibson Custom 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Electric Guitar - Version 2 with Elliptical Neck. Even the price (5K) did not bother me after about 20 minutes of playing it, I was hooked. John spent the next hour explaining all the different aspects of this guitar to me and since the store had not gotten busy yet, played a little himself. That sold me, when you play, your concentrating on the notes, but to hear the sounds that someone else can make with the same guitar gives you a much better prospective. I got home to Allegan and it was out of the case and I played it all night. This is now my fifth guitar from them. The fender telecaster is now my second favorite of my collection and that�ۡ���s a USA model. Thanks John and the Guitar Center for always making buying from you a true pleasure, you all; really care about the customers.

the quality of this guitar is unbelivable. not to mention how rare these 1960's les pauls are. , they have some of the best sounds in the business. if you are returning player looking for a better guitar, this is your best option. if you are looking for your first guitar, you might want to look at another guitar. this is one of the most best guitars i have ever played. if you are differing on a different guitar to buy, don't hesitate. get this beauty!

As soon as I played this guitar, I fell in love with it. The feel of the guitar is perfect and the pickups give out amazing tone. Gibson did a great job recapturing the look and feel of the 1960's models. It is more than worth the money, and is perfect for any type of music. If you can get, I strongly encourage it

In twenty years of playing I have owned more guitars than I care to remember. Most of these falling in the mid range with regards to quality, and playability but have always yearned to own that one guitar that I would play until I was old and could pass on to a grandchild. This is it. It is remarkable how well this plays the fit, and finish are second to none, and everyone I play with was immediately blown away once they saw and played this amazing historic instrument. If you can afford it this is THE one and only guitar to own. Unlike a lot of high end "collector" guitars, this is a true players instrument.

Out of all guitar I've had played of the last 13 years, this Les Paul has achieved every vital desire I wished on a guitar. If you are looking for the best Gibson Les Paul out there, don't look further.

This guitar is an absolutely wonderful guitar. Awesome tone and it looks great. But the price it totally ridiculous. I love this guitar but had major buyer's remorse after buying a guitar that was almost the EXACT same as a studio model. not worth the price, get a studio, you would like them the same. They are also very delicate. the design of the headstock and neck are not awesome but as long as your careful, your fine.